D: Design Concept and Selection

Design Concept Generation, Analysis, and Selection

The first step that needed to be taken was to generate viable concepts for the problem statement, analyze each for strengths and weaknesses, and select one. Nine preliminary solutions were sketched and drawn up in the Engineering Notebook. Each solution’s creator is designated by the last name next to the title. A design matrix was used to select the best option.

Criteria Weighting

The weighting is based on importance, as defined in Element C: Justification of Solution.

4 - Essential Importance

3 - Intermediate Importance

2 - Low Importance

Criteria Rating

The criterion is rated based on a 0-5 scale, with a 5 meeting the criteria beyond expectations and a 0 meaning it does not accomplish that criteria at all.

0 - Does not accomplish criteria

1 - Minimally meets criteria

2 - Meets criteria below expectations

3 - Accomplishes basic criteria

4 - Meets criteria well

5 - Accomplishes criteria beyond expectations

Idea #1: Brush Arm Attachment - Wigle

Description

The brush arm attachment is an add-on to the frames of the glasses. They clip onto the frames using a small latch, and lay flush to the frames. One clips on both sides of the frames, so it is a two-piece solution. Each side has two extendable arms located inside of the body that spring out with a small button on the back end of the body. The arms can be grabbed when they extend out, and bend towards the lens by a hinge. The ends of the arms have brushes on them that can be wiped on the lenses to clean them.

Scoring

This idea scored well in our essential importance criteria. The only lower score it received was does not scratch, as the swinging arms may cause minute scratches if pressed too hard or if the arms malfunction. The high importance category scored very well, with a slight decrease in the weight score, as the attachment may make the glasses heavier and awkward to sit on your face. The low importance criteria scored lower, as the attachment would look rather bulky and stick out the side of the frames. It also cleans a very broad stroke of the lens, and does not get into any tight spaces or be able to clean the bridge of the glasses or backside of the lens.

Idea #2: Glasses Cleaner Case - Wigle

Description

The glasses cleaner case in an improved glasses case that houses a liquid solution for cleaning. The glasses can be latched in by a latch that clips down to the bottom of the case. The case is closed, and a button is held to release the liquid. The case is then shaken for a set amount of time, and then held upside-down to drain the liquid back into the tank. The case is then opened to reveal the clean glasses, which can be dried with a small flap from the bottom of the case that unfolds to reveal a small microfiber cloth.

Scoring

This idea scored very well for the essential criteria. It was slightly docked for the portability category as it is glasses-case sized and would not be small enough to fit in a pocket, as well as being heavier due to the amount of liquid inside. It would still be small enough to fit inside of a purse or bag. This idea would also cost a decent amount due to all of the materials required and would take a while to use, so the high importance criteria points got docked. It scored higher on the low importance criteria, as it would look like any old glasses case, would be low on waste and also be able to clean the tight spaces all over the glasses.

Idea #3: Phone Wipe Case - Wigle

Description

This idea is a phone case that houses disposable moist towelettes for use to clean your glasses. The back of the case has a latch that hinges up, revealing a slit that reveals the wipes underneath, like how tissues stick out of a box. The wipes can be thrown away, and the case is refillable.

Scoring

This idea scored very high on the essential importance criteria due to the portability and usability of the case. When you attach your idea to something you carry around daily, it is rather useful and easily transportable. It did score lower on the high/low importance criteria, as it could have a higher cost of materials due to it being a phone case and having to make it durable. It also scored low on time to use, as it could take a longer time due to the wipes needing manual use to clean the lenses.

Idea #4: Eyeglass Coating Spray - Welch

Description

The eyeglass cleaning spray solves the problem of scratching the eyeglass. After the glasses have been cleaned by a proper cleaning method, they would be sprayed by a solution. The solution would be transparent and when it dried, it would form a hard ceramic-like coating on top of the lens. This coating would dissolve when it came in contact with water. After the eyeglass has been sprayed, a person cleaning the lens with a shirt or tissue would scratch the coating instead of the lens. After the coating gets too grimy, the coating would be washed off with water, taking the grime that covered the coating with it.

Scoring

This idea had a very odd score, as it doesn't actually accomplish the problem statement criteria of cleaning the lenses, it just prevents build-up and scratches. Therefore, it scored a zero on cleaning, and with that criteria being an essential importance, the total score was much lower. However, we still scored it fairly and in relation to our problem statement and build criteria. It also scored a zero in cleaning tight spaces, as it didn't clean anything and didn't reach any tight spaces.

Idea #5: Eyeglass Sticker - Welch

Description

The eyeglass sticker solves the problem of scratching the lens while cleaning them using a shirt or tissue by placing a sticker on the lens that would act as a barrier between the lens and the shirt. The sticker would be transparent and would wrap around the glass to protect both sides. The sticker would be applied to the lens after cleaning the lens using the proper method. The sticker would then become grimy over the day instead of the lens. The sticker would then be removed and replaced by a new sticker after the old one was too grimy for further use.

Scoring

This idea had a similar issue to the last, as it didn't actually clean the lens, and therefore could not have a comparative score due to the criteria being matched up with the problem statement. It also scored a zero on the "tight spaces" criteria. However, it also scored very well on the other criteria. It does a very good job at preventing scratches and portability, as it is just a sticker that goes on top of your glasses. There's nothing extra to carry around unless you would want to change it out on the go. It did score low on waste and aesthetics, as it might have a slight bump on the glasses and look similar to a screen protector on your phone. It also would be disposable and removable, so it would be a high waste product.

Idea #6: Electric Brush - Welch

Description

The electric brush solves the problem of cleaning eyeglasses with a shirt or tissue by replacing them with an electric brush. This device would have a vibrating head like an electric toothbrush but would have a microfiber cloth instead of bristles. The device would also dispense cleaning solution. The lens of an eyeglass would first be sprayed with solution and then the head of the brush would be moved against the lens.

Scoring

This idea scored well on the cleaning aspect, however there were some worries about the actual use of the idea. There was some risk of scratching due to the mechanized use of the brush, and it would be a decent sized product so portability isn't the best. Weight could be an issue as well, due to the electronics inside of the handle and the overall weight of the product. It scored well in the other categories, only falling short in aesthetics, as it wouldn't be the prettiest product due to the head and handle looking out of place. A cap could be designed that would make the product look more sleek, but is not in the original design.

Idea #7: Cleaning Pen - Nelson

Description

The cleaning pen consist of a fluid nozzle with a refillable tank, a button to dispense the cleaning fluid, a threaded cap to refill the tank, a replaceable wiper brush, and a cap with an attached clip. The wiper brush is held into the pen by friction from a rubber seal allowing the brush to be pulled out by hand. The dispensing button would either activate an electric pump or be sort of a lever action pump. The pocket clip could be reversed to allow the inclusion of a real pen in an extended cap. The overall device would take up no more space than an average pen.

Scoring

This idea was our overall winner. It scored very well in all categories , earning a total score of 123/135 possible points. It works very well for cleaning the lenses and preventing scratches, and being the size of an average pen, it is very portable. It can fit in a bag, purse, or even a pocket. The only detriment could be the cost of the device, as it would be filled with liquid that might need replacing. It also might take longer to use, as the device requires manual use. Other than those two criteria, it scored well enough to be the overall winner and choice device.

Idea #8: Hollow Frames - Nelson

Description

The hollow frames consist of an entire set of frames to be fitted with lenses. The frames include two removable cartridges that would be filled with a cleaning substance. The inclusion of a cartridge on either side allows for a wet substance and a dry substance. The cartridges could be reusable or disposable.

Scoring

This idea is a similar one to the arm attachment idea, but had a few key differences that managed to score it differently. The arms having cartridges allowed for greater flexibility in use, and for better cleaning management. The weight might be heavier depending on what cartridges are used, and could be off balance if different styles are used. Most tight spaces would be non-existent, as it could not reach the nose bridge or any difficult spaces. However it would be a very portable device, and would be easily managed and used.

Idea #9: Cleaning Tube - Nelson

Description

The cleaning tube is shaped similar to that of a compact glasses holder. The tube consists of a door that swings open and shut to insert the glasses. When the door is shut, detergent is pumped into the housing, and the housing is vibrated, similar to an ultrasonic cleaner. The pump then removes the detergent and the glasses can be removed. Ideally the entire cleaner could be strapped to any number of places.

Scoring

This idea was similar to the glasses cleaner case, but took a more mechanized approach. The device would be operated automatically, and the liquid would pump and drain with a pump, wired electrically. This would reduce time-to-use, however it would greatly increase cost and weight. The weight of the liquid and electronics would be fairly heavy, and the cost would be much higher than a manual device using basic materials and fabrication techniques. It would also feature poor aesthetics, as the electronics would be on the outside of the device, and be an ugly pump on the side of the case and would not be sleek. The device could be made thicker, but it would be bigger and heavier.